U.S. patent number 6,708,858 [Application Number 10/164,478] was granted by the patent office on 2004-03-23 for clamp pieces for lower frame assembly of blanking tool.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Blanking Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Frank E Oetlinger.
United States Patent |
6,708,858 |
Oetlinger |
March 23, 2004 |
Clamp pieces for lower frame assembly of blanking tool
Abstract
A clamp piece is provided for interconnecting an inner grid to
an outer frame of a frame assembly of a lower blanking tool of a
carton die cutting machine. The clamp piece includes a plate member
having inner and outer faces and a cavity formed therein for
receiving a portion of the bar that makes up the inner grid. A bore
extends between the inner face and the outer face of the plate
member along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A screw
extends through the bore and into the outer frame to interconnect
the clamp piece to the outer frame. A clamping structure is
positioned within the cavity and is movable between a clamping
position for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the
plate member and a release position.
Inventors: |
Oetlinger; Frank E (Grafton,
WI) |
Assignee: |
Blanking Systems, Inc.
(Grafton, WI)
|
Family
ID: |
29710219 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/164,478 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
225/104;
269/289R; 403/374.1; 403/403; 403/386; 403/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B
7/048 (20130101); B26D 7/1818 (20130101); B26D
2007/1881 (20130101); Y10T 403/7123 (20150115); B26D
2007/189 (20130101); B26D 7/2614 (20130101); Y10T
225/329 (20150401); Y10T 403/68 (20150115); F16B
2200/403 (20180801); Y10T 403/4602 (20150115); Y10T
83/9457 (20150401); Y10T 403/7064 (20150115); Y10T
403/7111 (20150115); Y10T 403/46 (20150115); Y10T
225/371 (20150401); Y10T 225/379 (20150401); Y10T
83/95 (20150401); Y10T 403/7041 (20150115); Y10T
403/73 (20150115); Y10T 225/297 (20150401); Y10T
403/7117 (20150115); Y10T 225/30 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B26D
7/18 (20060101); B26D 7/26 (20060101); B26F
003/00 (); B65H 035/10 (); B23Q 003/00 (); F16B
002/14 (); F16B 002/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;225/90,104
;403/386-388,374.1,374.2,374.3,403,343 ;269/289R,301,309,249 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Shoap; Allan N.
Assistant Examiner: Hamilton; Isaac
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Boyle Fredrickson Newholm Stein
& Gratz S.C.
Claims
I claim:
1. A clamp device for attaching a bar of an inner grid to an outer
frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine,
comprising: a plate member defining a vertically extending inner
face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, a horizontally
extending upper face having a cavity formed therein for receiving a
portion of the bar, and a bore extending between the inner face and
the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face,
the cavity in the upper face of the plate member being defined by
first and second spaced vertically extending sidewalls that extend
between the inner and outer faces and a horizontal lower wall; and
a wedge member pivotably disposed within the cavity and movable
between a clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar in
the cavity of the plate member and a release position, the wedge
member including a clamping surface engageable with the bar with
the wedge member in the clamping position.
2. The clamp device of claim 1 wherein the lower wall of the plate
member includes a depression for receiving a lower edge of the
bar.
3. The clamp device of claim 2 further comprising a screw member
for moving the wedge member between the clamping and release
positions.
4. The clamp device of claim 1 wherein the clamping surface of the
wedge member is generally arcuate and includes an apex.
5. The clamp device of claim 1 wherein the acute angle is in the
range of 30.degree. and 80.degree..
6. The clamp device of claim 1 wherein the acute angle is
approximately 65.degree..
7. The clamp device of claim 1 wherein the outer face of the plate
member includes a lip, the lip engageable with a corresponding
ledge along the outer frame to support the plate member
thereon.
8. The clamp device of claim 1 further comprising a fastening
element extending through the bore through the plate member and
receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to
interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.
9. A clamp device for attaching a bar of an inner grid to an outer
frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine,
comprising: a plate member defining inner and outer faces and a
horizontally extending upper face, the plate member having a cavity
formed in the upper face for receiving a portion of the bar and a
bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an
axis at an acute angle to the outer face, the cavity in the upper
face of the plate member being defined by first and second spaced
vertically extending sidewalls and a horizontal lower wall, the
lower wall including a depression for receiving a lower edge of the
bar; a clamping structure positioned within the cavity and movable
between a clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar in
the cavity of the plate member and a release position, the clamping
structure including a wedge member pivotably disposed within the
cavity, the wedge member including a clamping surface engageable
with the bar with the clamping structure in the clamping position;
and wherein the cavity includes a portion having a tear-drop shaped
cross section at the intersection of the second sidewall and the
lower wall and wherein the wedge member includes a portion having a
tear-drop shaped cross section that is receivable in the tear-drop
shaped portion of the cavity.
10. The clamp device of claim 9 wherein the clamping surface of the
wedge member is generally arcuate and includes an apex.
11. The clamp device of claim 9 wherein the acute angle is in the
range of 30.degree. and 80.degree..
12. The clamp device of claim 9 wherein the acute angle is
approximately 65.degree..
13. A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die
cutting machine, comprising: a rigid outer frame; an inner grid
comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending
bars; and a plurality of clamps attaching the bars to the outer
frame, each clamp including: a plate member defining a vertically
extending inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face
and, a horizontally extending upper face having a cavity formed
therein for receiving a portion of the bar, the plate member of
each clamp includes a bore extending between the inner face and the
outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face; and a
wedge member pivotably disposed within the cavity and movable
between a clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar in
the cavity of the plate member and a release position.
14. The frame assembly of claim 13 wherein the acute angle is in
the range of 30.degree. and 80.degree..
15. The frame assembly of claim 13 wherein the acute angle is
approximately 65.degree..
16. The frame assembly of claim 13 wherein the wedge member
includes a clamping surface engageable with the bar with the wedge
member in the clamping position.
17. The frame assembly of claim 16 wherein the clamping surface of
the wedge member is generally arcuate and includes an apex.
18. A clamp device for attaching a bar of an inner grid to an outer
frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine,
comprising: a plate member defining a vertically extending inner
face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, a horizontally
extending upper face having a cavity formed therein for receiving a
portion of the bar, and a bore extending between the inner face and
the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face,
the cavity in the upper face of the plate member being defined by
first and second spaced vertically extending sidewalls and a
horizontal lower wall, the lower wall including a depression for
receiving a lower edge of the bar; a wedge member pivotably
disposed within the cavity and movable between a clamping position
for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the plate
member and a release position, the wedge member including a
clamping surface engageable with the bar with the wedge member in
the clamping position; and a screw member for moving the wedge
member between the clamping and release positions, the screw member
including a fastener extending vertically through the wedge member
along an axis perpendicular to the lower wall.
19. A clamp device for attaching a bar of an inner grid to an outer
frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine,
comprising: a plate member defining a vertically extending inner
face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, a horizontally
extending upper face having a cavity formed therein for receiving a
portion of the bar, and a bore extending between the inner face and
the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face,
the cavity in the upper face of the plate member being defined by
first and second spaced vertically extending sidewalls and a
horizontal lower wall, the lower wall including a depression for
receiving a lower edge of the bar; a wedge member pivotably
disposed within the cavity and movable between a clamping position
for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the plate
member and a release position, the wedge member including a
clamping surface engageable with the bar with the wedge member in
the clamping position; and wherein the cavity includes a portion
having a tear-drop shaped cross section at the intersection of the
second sidewall and the lower wall and wherein the wedge member
includes a portion having a tear-drop shaped cross section that is
receivable in the tear-drop shaped portion of the cavity.
20. A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die
cutting machine, comprising: a rigid outer frame; an inner grid
comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending
bars; and a plurality of clamps attaching the bars to the outer
frame, each clamp including: a plate member defining a vertically
extending inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face
and, a horizontally extending upper face having a cavity formed
therein for receiving a portion of the bar; and a wedge member
pivotably disposed within the cavity and movable between a clamping
position for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the
plate member and a release position; wherein the cavity includes a
portion having a tear-drop shaped cross section and wherein the
wedge member includes a portion having a tear-drop shaped cross
section that is receivable in the tear-drop shaped portion of the
cavity.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to die cutting machines for making
carton blanks, and in particular, to clamp pieces for
interconnecting a grid network of bars to a frame assembly for a
lower blanking tool that supports carton scrap during a blanking
operation in a die cutting machine.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY THE INVENTION
In the manufacture of cartons, small sheets of paper material
having specific profiles are cut out of larger sheets of paper
material. These smaller sheets are known as carton blanks that, in
turn, are formed into cartons and/or boxes. The blanks are formed
during a process known as a blanking operation in a die cutting
machine.
In a die cutting machine, the blanks are cut, but not removed from
a large sheet of paper material. After the blanks have been cut,
the sheet is moved downstream in the die cutting machine to a
blanking station where the sheet is positioned over a frame
assembly for support. The frame assembly includes an outer frame
and an inner grid having large openings that correspond in size, in
shape and in position to the profile of the carton blank previously
cut. Below the frame is a mechanism for stacking the carton
blanks.
At the blanking station, an upper tool is used in combination with
the lower tool or frame assembly to knock the carton blanks from
the sheet of paper material while holding the scrap material that
surrounds the blanks. The upper tool has a support board that moves
vertically up and down in the die cutting machine, and the support
board typically has a plurality of stand-offs depending therefrom
that hold pushers spaced beneath the board which in turn are used
to push the carton blanks from the sheet through the lower tool or
frame assembly. A plurality of presser assemblies are also mounted
in the support board and depend therefrom to hold the scrap
material against the lower tool or frame assembly during the
blanking operation so that the blanks may be pushed from the sheet.
A presser assembly typically includes a presser rail which is
biased downwardly away from the support board by a spring so that
the rail is positioned slightly below the pushers. As the upper
tool is lowered, the presser rail engages the sheet of paper
material first such that a scrap portion of the large sheet of
material is secured between the presser rail and the frame. The
upper tool then continues to be lowered such that the sheet of
material engages the inner grid within the frame while at
substantially the same time the pushers engage the carton blanks
and knock the blanks out of the sheet of material and through the
inner grid. The carton blanks then fall into a stacking mechanism
below the frame where the blanks are stacked for further
processing.
The lower tool used in the blanking operation is typically
comprised of a steel outer frame that supports an inner grid. The
inner grid is typically comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and
crosswise extending bars. In order to secure the inner grid in
place on the outer frame, the ends of each bar are typically
screwed onto attachment pieces which, in turn, are mounted on the
lengthwise and crosswise rails of the outer frame. Since the frame
and grid support a sheet of paper material during the blanking
operation, the grid must be configured to match or conform to the
die cut in the sheet of paper material. In addition, the grid must
be reconfigured whenever a different carton blank needs to be
produced. Thus, unscrewing the inner grid from the outer frame
oftentimes becomes very cumbersome and time consuming. Thus, it is
desirable to provide a quicker manner of attaching and removing the
inner grid from the outer frame.
Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present
invention to provide an improved clamp piece for interconnecting an
inner grid of bars to a frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of
a carton die cutting machine.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide a clamp piece for interconnecting an inner grid of bars to
a frame assembly for a lower blanking tool that allows for the
inner grid to be easily attached and removed from its supporting
outer frame.
It is a still further object and feature of the invention to
provide a clamp piece for interconnecting an inner grid of bars to
a frame assembly for a lower blanking tool which is compatible with
standard blanking operation machinery and which is relatively
inexpensive.
In accordance with the present invention, a clamp device is
provided for attaching a bar of an inner grid to an outer frame for
a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The clamp
device includes a plate member defining a vertically extending
inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, a
horizontally extending upper face having a cavity formed therein
for receiving a portion of the bar and a bore extending between the
inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to
the outer face. A wedge member is pivotably disposed within the
cavity. The wedge member is movable between a clamping position for
retaining a portion of the bar in the cavity of the plate member
and a release position. The wedge member includes a clamping
surface engageable with the bar with the wedge member in the
clamping position.
The cavity in the upper face of the plate member is defined by
first and second spaced vertically extending sidewalls and a lower
horizontal wall. A lower wall includes a depression formed therein
for receiving a lower edge of the bar. A screw member moves the
wedge member between the clamping and release positions. The screw
member includes a fastener extending vertically through the wedge
member along an axis perpendicular to the lower wall. In addition,
the cavity includes a portion having a taer-drop shaped cross
section at the inner section of the second wall and the lower wall.
The wedge member includes a portion having a tear-dropped shaped
cross section that is receivable in a tear-dropped shaped portion
of the cavity. The clamping surface of the wedge member is
generally arcuate and includes an apex. The acute angle of the bore
extending between the inner face and the outer face of the plate
member is preferably in the range of 30.degree. and 80.degree.. In
the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that the acute angle
be approximately 65.degree..
The outer face of the plate member may include a lip that is
engageable with a corresponding ledge along the outer frame to
support the plate member thereon. A fastening element extends
through the bore in the plate member. The fastening element is
receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to
interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention,
a clamp device is provided for attaching a bar of an inner grid to
an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting
machine. The plate member defines inner and outer faces. The plate
member has a cavity formed therein for receiving a portion of the
bar and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face
along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A clamping
structure is positioned within the cavity. The clamping structure
is movable between a clamping position for obtaining the portion of
the bar in the cavity of the plate member and a release
position.
A plate member also defines a horizontally extending upper face and
it is contemplated to form the cavity in the upper face. The cavity
in the upper face of the plate member is defined by first and
second spaced vertically extending sidewalls and a horizontal lower
wall. The lower wall includes a depression for receiving a lower
edge of the bar. The clamping structure includes a wedge member
pivotably disposed within the cavity. The wedge member includes a
clamping surface engageable with the bar with the clamping
structure in the clamping position. The cavity also includes a
portion having a tear-drop shaped cross-section at the intersection
of the second sidewall and a lower wall. The wedge member includes
a portion having a tear-drop shaped cross section that is
receivable within the tear-drop shaped portion of the cavity. The
clamping surface of the wedge member is generally arcuate and
includes an apex. It is contemplated that the angle at which the
bore extends between the inner and outer faces of the plate member
be in the range of 30.degree. and 80.degree.. Preferably, the acute
angle is approximately 65.degree..
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a
frame assembly is provided for a lower blanking tool of a carton
die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer
frame and an inner grid comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and
crosswise extending bars. A plurality of clamps attach the bars to
the outer frame. Each clamp includes a plate member defining a
vertically extending inner face, an opposite vertically extending
outer face, and a horizontally extending upper face having a cavity
formed therein for receiving a portion of the bar. A wedge is
pivotably disposed within the cavity and is movable between a
clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar within the
cavity of the plate member and a release position.
The plate member of each clamp may include a bore extending between
the inner face and the outer face thereof along an axis at an acute
angle to the outer face. The acute angle may be in the range of
30.degree. and 80.degree.. Preferably, the acute angle is
approximately 65.degree..
The wedge member includes a clamping surface engageable with the
bar with the wedge member in the clamping position. The clamping
surface of the wedge member is generally arcuate and includes an
apex. It is contemplated that the cavity include a portion having a
tear-drop shaped cross section. The wedge member also includes a
portion having a tear drop shaped cross section. The tear-drop
shaped cross section of the wedge member is receivable in the tear
dropped shaped portion of the cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction
of the present invention in which the above advantages and features
are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily
understood from the following description of the illustrated
embodiment.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lower frame assembly for a
blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lower frame assembly of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, isometric view of a corner of the lower
frame assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a clamp device
in accordance with the present invention for attaching a bar of the
inner grid to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly of FIG.
1;
FIG. 5 is a top plan of the clamp device in accordance with the
present invention for attaching a bar of the inner grid to the
outer frame of the lower frame assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp device of the present
invention taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp device of the present
invention taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a jogger
mounting to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly of FIG.
1;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the jogger mounted to the outer frame
of the lower frame assembly of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an exploded, isometric view of the jogger of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the jogger mounted to the
outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 11--11 of
FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the jogger mounted to the
outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 12--12 of
FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a stiffening
rail support mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a front, elevational view of the stiffening rail support
of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the stiffening rail support
mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along
line 13--13 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 16 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a stiffening
rail clamp mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame of FIG.
1;
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the stiffening rail clamp of FIG.
13;
FIG. 18 is an exploded, isometric view of the stiffening rail clamp
of FIG. 13;
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stiffening rail clamp
mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along
line 19--19 of FIG. 16;
FIG. 20 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a bar support
mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame of FIG. 1;
FIG. 21 is a partially exploded, isometric view of the bar support
of FIG. 20 and associated bar;
FIG. 22 is a partially exploded, isometric view of the bar support
mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame of FIG. 1 and an
associated bar;
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the bar support mounted to the
outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 23--23 of
FIG. 20; and
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the bar support mounted to the
outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 24--24 of
FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a lower frame assembly for a blanking tool of
a carton die cutting machine is generally designated by the numeral
10. As is known, a die cutting machine converts or processes a
sheet of paper material into a carton blank. These machines are
well known in the art and are used to cut one or several blanks
into each sheet of paper material which, after folding and gluing,
may be formed into cartons or boxes. As is conventional, the sheets
of paper material move in a substantially horizontal plane within
the machine and are carried through various sequences of printing,
cutting, embossing, creasing, waste stripping and/or blanking
stations.
The die cutting machine usually is formed by a series of stations
with the first station being a starting position or input station
in which the sheets, which may be preprinted if desired, are taken
one by one from the top of a stack to a feed table where they are
placed in position against frontal and side guides. The sheet can
then be grasped by a gripper bar and lead downstream or in the
machine direction into subsequent processing stations. Typically,
the sheet is first conveyed into a cutting station where the carton
or box blanks of a desired size and profile are die cut into the
sheet. These blanks are held to the sheet by knicks which are
arranged along the cut edges of the blanks. This cutting station is
usually comprised of upper and lower tools, one of which is
provided with a plurality of line-shaped straight and curved die
cutting blades. If desired, the cutting station may be proceeded by
a printing station, or as noted above, the sheets may be
preprinted. After cutting, the sheet is then lead to a stripping
station where the waste, i.e., the unused scrap between the various
blanks, is grasped by upper and lower pins in order to be lead
downward into a waste container. The sheet is then fed to a
blanking station where the sheet is positioned horizontally over a
lower frame for support. The lower frame includes an inner grid
having large openings that correspond in size, in shape and in
position to the profile of the blank previously cut. An upper
blanking tool having one or more presser assemblies mounted thereto
then moves vertically downwardly in the die cutting machine to
secure the scrap portions against the grid and frame and then, as
the tool continues to move downwardly, the fasten points or knicks
between the blanks and the sheet are broken by pushers so that each
of the blanks are released, pushed through the grid and falls below
the frame where the blanks are stacked for further processing.
Finally, the residual or remaining portion of the sheet is carried
to a delivery or exit station where it is released by the gripper
bar as waste material.
Referring back to FIG. 1, lower frame assembly 10 includes an outer
frame comprised of a pair of opposite, spaced apart longitudinally
extending side frame members or side rails 12 and 14, and a pair of
opposite, spaced apart cross frame members or cross rails 16 and 18
extending crosswise between side rails 12 and 14. Arrow 20
illustrates the machine direction, i.e. the direction of movement
of a sheet of paper material (not shown) within the die cutting
machine. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, side rail 12 may be
considered the left side rail while side rail 14 may be considered
the right side rail. Likewise, cross rail 16 may be considered the
front or leading cross rail, while cross rail 18 may be considered
the rear or trailing cross rail. As illustrated, cross rails 16 and
18 are of sufficient length such that the opposite ends of cross
rails 16 and 18 overlap corresponding opposite ends of side rails
12 and 14. In addition, it is contemplated that cross rails 16 and
18 be disposed on top of side rails 12 and 14 so that the lower
surface of cross rails 16 and 18 abut against the upper surfaces of
side rails 12 and 14.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, side rail 12 is rigidly
interconnected to cross rails 16 and 18 by a pair of corner pieces
22 and 24, respectively. Similarly, side rail 14 is rigidly
interconnected to cross rails 16 and 18 by corner pieces 24 and 22,
respectively. Corner pieces 22 are hereinafter referred to as right
corner pieces while corner pieces 24 are hereinafter referred to as
left corner pieces. The terms "right" and "left" refer to the
location of a tenon on the underside of each comer piece. It can be
appreciated that left comer pieces 24 are essentially mirror images
of right comer pieces 22. Corner pieces 22 and 24 are used to
rigidly interconnect rails 12, 14, 16 and 18 to one another so as
to retain rails 12, 14, 16 and 18 together in a "square" or
90.degree. relationship.
Side rails 12 and 14 are identical in structure, and as such, the
description hereinafter of side rail 12 is understood to describe
side rail 14 as if fully described herein. In addition, side rails
16 and 18 are identical in structure, and as such, the description
hereinafter of side rail 16 is understood to describe side rail 18
as if fully described herein. Side rail 12 extends along a
longitudinal axis and includes upper surface 26 lying in a plane.
Upper surface 26 of side rail 12 includes t-shaped slot 28 therein
that extends along the entire length thereof. As best seen in FIG.
19, slot 28 extends along an axis 30 disposed at an acute angle 32
to upper surface 26 of side rail 12. It is contemplated that angle
32 fall within the range of 1.degree. and 89.degree., but is
preferably between about 30.degree. to about 80.degree. and is most
preferably about 65.degree.. Slot 28 has a terminal end located
within side rail 12 and has an open end that opens to upper surface
26 of side rail 12.
Side rail 12 further includes second t-shaped slot 34 formed along
the entire length of inner surface 36 of side rail 12. Inner
surface 36 of side rail 12 lies in plane that is generally
perpendicular to upper surface 26 of side rail 12. Slot 34 extends
along an axis 38 disposed at an acute angle 40 with respect to
inner surface 36. Angle 40 may be any angle between about 1.degree.
to about 89.degree., but is preferably between about 30.degree. to
about 80.degree. and is most preferably about 65.degree.. Slot 34
is identical in structure to slot 28 and extends along the entire
length of side rail 12. As illustrated, slot 34 has a terminal end
located within side rail 12 and an open end which opens to inner
surface 36 of side rail 12. The terminal end of slot 34 (as well as
the terminal end of slot 28) is configured to conform to the shape
of nuts 42 captured therein, for reasons hereinafter described.
Side rail 12 further includes a channel-shaped recess 44 formed in
upper surface 26 thereof. Recess 44 is formed in upper surface 26
between slot 28 and the intersection of upper surface 26 and inner
surface 36 and functions to receive a ruler or other measuring
device to aid in building an inner grid 46 within rails 12, 14, 16
and 18, as hereinafter described. Recess 44 is formed along the
entire length of upper surface 26 of side rail 12 and opens to both
of the opposite ends thereof.
Side rail 12 also includes an angled groove 48 formed in inner
surface 36 above slot 34. Groove 48 is formed along the entire
length of inner surface 36 of side rail 12 and opens to both of the
opposite ends thereof. As illustrated, groove 48 is defined by
inwardly projecting ledge 50 and angled surface 52. Ledge 50 has a
planar surface and is disposed at an angle of about 90.degree. with
respect to inner surface 36. Other acute angles for ledge 40 may be
used, but 90.degree. is preferred. Angled surface 52 forms an acute
angle with ledge 50 that falls in the range of approximately about
30.degree. to about 80.degree., but is preferably about 70.degree..
Groove 48 functions to receive a tenon of corresponding comer
pieces 22 and 24.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, 7-8 and 12, cross rail 16 includes an
upper surface 54, an opposite lower surface 56, an outer surface
58, and an opposite inner surface 60. Inner surface 60 is generally
planer and faces the interior of frame assembly 10. Cross rail 16
includes a t-shaped slot 62 formed therein. Slot 62 extends along
the entire length of inner surface 60 of cross rail 16 and opens to
both of the opposite ends of cross rail 16. Slot 62 has a terminal
end located within the interior of cross rail 16 and has an open
end that opens to inner surface 60 of cross rail 16. The terminal
end of slot 62 is configured to conform to the shape of nuts 72
captured therein, for reasons hereinafter described. Slot 62
defines a downwardly extending axis 64 disposed at an acute angle
66 with respect to inner surface 60 of cross rail 16. It is
contemplated that angle 66 fall in the range of 1.degree. and
89.degree., but is preferably an angle of about 30.degree. to about
80.degree., and is most preferably about 65.degree..
Cross rail 16 also includes an inwardly projecting ledge 68 formed
in inner surface 60. Ledge 68 is planar in shape and is disposed at
an angle of 90.degree. with respect to inner surface 60. However,
ledge 68 could also be modified to be at an acute angle with
respect to inner surface 60 if desired. As shown, ledge 68 is
located at the intersection of the upper surface 54 and inner
surface 60 of cross rail 16 such that ledge 68 is located between
upper surface 54 and t-shaped slot 62. Ledge 68 extends along the
entire length of cross rail 16 and opens to both of the opposite
ends of cross rail 16 in a manner similar to slot 62. Cross rail 16
further includes a channel-shaped recess 70 formed in upper surface
54. Recess 70 is formed in and extends along the entire length of
cross rail 16 and opens to both of the opposite ends of cross rail
16. Recess 70 is typically utilized to receive a ruler or other
measuring device that aids in the proper placement of inner grid
46.
Referring back to FIG. 3, comer piece 22 interconnects side rail 12
and front cross rail 16 of the lower frame assembly 10, and
includes an L-shaped body having a horizontal plate member 74 and
an upright or vertical plate member 76. Horizontal plate member 74
defines a substantially flat upper face, a substantially flat
opposite lower face, an inside face, an opposite outside face and
an end face. As illustrated, each of these faces are substantially
planar in shape. Upright or vertical plate member 76 also defines a
substantially flat inner face contiguous with the upper face of
plate member 74, a substantially flat outer face contiguous with
the lower face of plate member 74, an inside face contiguous with
the inside face of horizontal plate member 74, an opposite outside
face contiguous with the outside face of horizontal plate member
74, and a top face. Horizontal plate member 74 has a pair of
adjacent, aligned outwardly and downwardly extending bolt receiving
bores formed therethrough extending between its upper face and
lower face. Each bore defines an axis disposed at an acute angle
with respect to the upper face of horizontal plate member 74. It is
preferred that the acute angle fall in the range of 1.degree. and
89.degree., but preferably between about 30.degree. and about
80.degree., and is most preferably about 65.degree.. Bolts 78 and
80 extend through bores in horizontal plate member 74 into slot 28
in upper surface 26 of side rail 12. Nuts are provided within the
terminal end of the slot 28 in upper surface 26 of side rail 12 and
threaded onto the shafts of bolts 78 and 80 so as to rigidly
connect corner piece 22 to side rail 12.
Upright or vertical plate member 76 of corner piece 22 also
includes a pair of adjacent, aligned outwardly and downwardly
extending bolt receiving bores formed therethrough from its inner
face to its outer face through which bolts 84 extend into slot 62
in inner surface 60 of cross rail 16. Each bore defines an axis
disposed at an acute angle with respect to the inner face of
vertical plate member 76. Again, this acute angle may be anywhere
between 1.degree. and 89.degree., but is preferably between about
30.degree. and about 80.degree., and is most preferably about
65.degree. to match angle 66 of slot 62. Nuts are provided within
the terminal end of the slot 62 in inner surface 60 of cross rail
16 and threaded onto the shafts of bolts 84 so as to rigidly
connect corner piece 22 to cross rail 16.
Vertical plate member 76 has a lip 86 projecting outwardly
therefrom. Lip 86 has an upper surface and a lower surface. The
upper surface of lip 86 is contiguous with the top face of vertical
plate member 76 while its lower surface is contiguous with the
outer face of vertical plate member 76. Lip 86 is disposed
substantially 90.degree. with respect to the outer face of vertical
plate member 76, and lip 86 extends completely across the outer
face of vertical plate member 76. Although illustrated as being
contiguous with the top face of vertical plate member 76, lip 86
could also be spaced slightly downwardly therefrom if desired.
Also, lip 86 need not necessarily extend completely across the
outer face of vertical plate member 76, but preferably does so to
provide the maximum amount of clamping force against ledge 68.
Corner piece 22 also includes a tenon 88 projecting downwardly from
horizontal plate member 74. Tenon 88 has an angled surface disposed
at an acute angle with respect to the lower face of plate member
74. This acute angle may be any angle between 1.degree. and
89.degree., but preferably matches the angle formed by angled
surface 50 of groove 48 in side rail 12. Again, by matching the
angle of angled surface 50, the maximum amount of friction is
provided between tenon 88 of corner piece 22 and angled surface 50
to provide the maximum amount of clamping force.
It can be appreciated that a right corner piece 22 may be used to
interconnect side rail 14 and cross rail 18 in the same manner as
heretofore described with respect to side rail 12 and cross rail
16. In addition, as heretofore described, left corner pieces 24 are
mirror images of right corner pieces 22. As such, the description
heretofore provided for interconnecting side rail 12 and cross rail
16 with corner piece 22 may be understood to describe the
connection of side rail 12 and cross rail 18 with corner piece 24
and the connection of side rail 14 and cross rail 16 with corner
piece 24, as if fully described herein.
In order to increase the overall strength and stability of lower
frame assembly 10, it is contemplated to interconnect stiffening
rails 92 to corresponding side rails 12 and 14, respectively,
utilizing a plurality of stiffening rail supports 96. It can be
appreciated that one of the stiffening rails 92 is interconnected
to side rail 14 in the same matter as the other of the stiffening
rails 92 is interconnected to side rail 12, and as such, the
following description of the interconnection of a stiffening rail
92 to side rail 12 is understood to describe the interconnection of
stiffening rail 92 to side rail 14 as if fully described
hereinafter.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 13-15, stiffening rails 92 have a
generally t-shaped cross-section and a length substantially the
same as the length of side rails 12 and 14. Each stiffening rail
includes a horizontal leg 99 and a vertical leg 100 disposed at
90.degree. to one another. Stiffening rails 92 may be composed of
any suitable material, but is preferably steel having sufficient
strength to discourage flexing of side rails 12 and 14. Vertical
legs 100 of stiffening rails 92 have a longitudinally extending
v-shaped grooves 102 formed in one side thereof. The opposite sides
of vertical legs 100 define planar faces which bear or abut against
the outer faces 104 of clamp pieces 101 of stiffening rail supports
96, as illustrated. Stiffening rail supports 96 include v-shaped
cuts 106 formed horizontally across outer faces 104.
Stiffening rail supports 96 further include c-shaped jaws 108
having a pair of opposite parallel legs 110 and 112, with legs 112
being slightly longer than legs 110. The terminal ends of legs 110
and 112 are rounded for engagement with corresponding v-shaped
grooves 102 and v-shaped cuts 106, respectively. In order to
interconnect a stiffening rail 92 to stiffening rail supports 96,
screws 116 extend through corresponding walls 118 of c-shaped jaws
108 into bores in clamp pieces 101. Thus, as screws 116 are turned
down in a clockwise direction, c-shaped jaws 108 are moved toward
corresponding clamp pieces 101 so that legs 110 engage
corresponding v-shaped groove 102 and legs 112 engage corresponding
v-shaped cuts 106 until stiffening rail 92 is rigidly retained in
position.
Clamp pieces 101 of stiffening rail supports 96 further include
downwardly extending bolt-receiving bores 120 therethough for
receiving corresponding bolts 122. Bolts 122 extend into slot 34 in
inner surface 36 of side rail 12. Each bore 120 defines an axis 124
disposed at an acute angle 126 with respect to outer face 104 of a
corresponding clamp piece 101. Acute angle 126 may be anywhere
between 1.degree. and 89.degree., but is preferably between about
30.degree. and about 80.degree., and is most preferably about
65.degree. to match angle 40 of slot 34. Nuts are provided within
the terminal end of the slot 34 in inner surface 36 of side rail 12
and threaded onto the shafts of bolts 122 so as to rigidly connect
clamp pieces 101, and hence, stiffening rail supports 96 to side
rail 12. In the assembled configuration, stiffening rails 92
stiffen side rails 12 and 14 to prevent any significant flexing
thereof during a blanking operation.
In addition to outer face 104, each clamp piece 101 of stiffening
rail support 96 is defined by flat vertically extending inner face
103, a horizontally extending upper face 105, an opposite
horizontally extending lower face 107, and a pair of opposite end
faces 109 and 111. Each clamp piece 101 also defines slot 113 that
extends along the entire height of clamp piece 101 and opens to
both upper face 105 and lower face 107. Slot 113 is defined by a
vertical rear surface 115 and first and second sidewalls 117 and
119, respectively. Sidewalls 117 and 119 extend from inner face 103
and diverge from each other.
Jogging element 121 is slidably received within slot 113. Jogging
element 121 includes an upright plate member defining substantially
flat, vertically extending inner face 123, a substantially flat
oppositely vertically extending outer face 125, a horizontally
extending upper face 127, an opposite horizontally extending lower
face 129, and a pair of opposite end faces 131 and 133. End faces
131 and 133 diverge from each other as the end faces extend from
inner face 123 to outer face 125. As described, end face 131 of
jogging element 121 forms a slidable interface with sidewall 117,
end face 133 of jogging element 121 forms a slidable interface with
sidewall 119, and outer face 125 of jogging element 121 forms a
slidable interface with rear wall 115.
Jogging element 121 further includes wall 135 defining a generally
oblong opening 137 to accommodate the portion of head 122a of bolt
122 that projects into slot 113. With jogging element 121
positioned within slot 113, jogging element 121 is slidable between
a first raised position wherein lower face 129 of jogging element
121 is substantially flush with the lower face 107 of clamp piece
101 and wherein head 112a of bolt 122 engages lower portion 135a of
wall 135 and a lowered position wherein lower face 107 of jogging
element 121 is below lower face 107 of the upright plate member and
bolt head 122a engages upper portion 135b of wall 135. Jogging
element 121 provides an adjustable stop for a sheet being
positioned horizontally over lower frame assembly 10.
Referring to FIG. 1, lower frame assembly 10 further includes inner
grid 46 composed of a plurality of parallel lengthwise bars 130
extending in machine direction 20 between front cross rail 16 and
rear cross rail 18, and a plurality of substantially parallel
crosswise bars 132 extending transverse to machine direction 20
between left side rail 12 and right side rail 14. Bars 130 and 132
of inner grid 46 can be point welded or glued with adhesive at the
points where they intersect to insure rigidity of inner grid 46. As
hereinafter described, the opposite ends of bars 130 are attached
to cross rails 16 and 18 by corresponding clamp devices 136.
Likewise, the opposite ends of bars 132 are attached to side rails
12 and 14 by corresponding clamp devices 138. It should be noted
that the present invention is not limited to the design of inner
grid 46 illustrated in FIG. 1 and that the design provided is for
illustrative purposes only. It can be appreciated that the profile
of inner grid 46 may be changed depending upon the type, size and
shape of the carton blank to be produced.
Referring to FIGS. 4-7, each clamp device 136 includes an upright
plate member defining a substantially flat vertically extending
inner face 140, a substantially flat opposite vertically extending
outer face 142, a horizontally extending upper face 144, an
opposite horizontally extending lower face 146, and a pair of
opposite end faces 148 and 150. As described, clamp device 136 is
generally rectangular in shape, although other geometric shapes are
contemplated without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
Lip 152 is formed on outer face 142 of each clamp device 136. Lips
152 project at right angles to outer faces 142 and extend
completely across outer faces 142 between end faces 148 and 150 of
clamp devices 136. Lips 152 do not necessarily extend completely
across outer faces 142 of clamp devices 136, but preferably do so
to provide the maximum amount of clamping force against ledges 68
formed in inner surfaces 60 of cross rails 16 and 18.
A substantially u-shaped upper cavity 156 is formed in upper face
144 of each clamp device 136. Cavity 156 is defined by spaced
sidewalls 158 and 160 and bottom wall 162. Sidewalls 158 and 160
extend vertically in planes parallel to end faces 148 and 150 and
are disposed at a 90.degree. angle with respect to inner face 140.
Bottom wall 162 of each cavity 156 includes depression 164 therein
that extends along an axis perpendicular to inner face 140 for
receiving the lower edge 130a of bar 130 and for aiding in the
alignment of bars 130, as hereinafter described. Cavity 156
includes a tear-dropped shaped portion 165 at the intersection of
sidewall 160 and bottom wall 162.
Wedge members 166 are disposed within cavities 156 of clamp devices
136 for pivotable movement between a clamped position wherein
clamping surfaces 168 of wedge members 166 engage and retain
corresponding bars 130 in a user desired position and a released
position wherein bars 130 may be removed from cavity 156. As
illustrated, each wedge member 166 has upper and lower faces 170
and 172, respectively, spaced by clamping surface 168 and sides 174
and 176. Each clamping surface 168 is generally arcuate having an
apex for engaging a corresponding bar 130. Each wedge member 166
also includes pivoting element 178 having a tear-drop shaped cross
section that is pivotably receivable within portion 165 of a
corresponding cavity 156. Each pivoting element 178 of wedge
members 166 extends from and is contiguous with upper and lower
faces 170 and 172, respectively, and sides 174 and 176. Threaded
apertures 180 extend through wedge members 166 between the upper
and lower faces 170 and 172, respectively, thereof. Bolts 182
extend though corresponding apertures 180 in wedge members 166 and
into corresponding bores 184 formed in bottom walls 162 of clamp
devices 136 so as to interconnect wedge members 166 and
corresponding clamp devices 136.
It can be appreciated that as bolts 182 are turned down in a
clockwise direction, wedge members 166 pivot on pivoting elements
178 toward their clamped positions. Clamping surfaces 168 of wedge
members 166 function to engage bars 130 provided in depressions 164
to exert the necessary clamping force to retain bars 130 in
position between sidewalls 158 and clamping surfaces 168 of wedge
members 166 as wedge members 166 pivot downwardly into cavities
156. To release bars 130, bolts 182 are turned in a
counterclockwise direction until wedge members 166 pivot away from
corresponding bars 130 to release the clamping pressure applied
thereto so that bars 130 can be removed from cavities 156.
In order to attach clamp devices 136 to cross rails 16 and 18,
rectangular recesses 190 are formed in inner faces 140 to define
inner walls 192. Downwardly and outwardly extending bolt-receiving
bores 194 extend through inner walls 192. Each bore 194 extends
along axis disposed at an acute angle with respect to outer face
142. The acute angle may be anywhere between 1.degree. and
89.degree., but is preferably between about 30.degree. and about
80.degree., and is most preferably about 65.degree. to match the
angle 66 defined by slot 62 in a corresponding cross rail 16 or 18.
Bolts 198 extend through corresponding bores 194 into nuts (not
shown) captured within slots 62. As bolts 198 are tightened, lips
152 are pulled tightly against corresponding ledges 68 of cross
rails 16 and 18 while at the same time outer faces 142 are forced
to bear tightly against corresponding inner faces 60 of cross rails
16 and 18 to rigidly hold clamp devices 136 in position on cross
rails 16 and 18.
Referring to FIGS. 16-19, it can be appreciated that clamp devices
138 perform the dual function of interconnecting stiffening rails
92 to corresponding side rails 12 and 14, as well as,
interconnecting the ends of bars 132 to side rails 12 and 14. Each
clamp device 138 includes an upright plate member that defines
substantially flat, vertically extending inner face 200, a
substantially flat opposite vertically extending outer face 202, a
horizontally extending upper face 204, an opposite horizontally
extending lower face 206, and a pair of opposite end faces 208 and
210. As described, clamp device 138 is generally rectangular in
shape, although other geometric shapes are contemplated depending
upon the end use of clamp device 138.
Each clamp device 138 further includes a c-shaped jaw 212 having a
pair of oppositely parallel legs 214 and 216, with a leg 216 being
slightly longer than leg 214. The terminal ends of legs 214 and 216
are rounded for engagement with corresponding v-shaped grooves 102
formed in vertical legs 100 of stiffening rail 92 and v-shaped cuts
218 formed horizontally across outer faces 202 of clamp devices
138. In order to interconnect a stiffening rail 92 to clamp devices
138, screws 220 extend through corresponding walls 222 of c-shaped
jaws 212 into bores 224 formed in outer faces 202 of clamp devices
138. As screws 220 are turned down in a clockwise direction,
c-shaped jaws 212 are moved toward corresponding outer faces 202 of
clamp devices 138 so that legs 214 engage corresponding v-shaped
groove 102 in vertical leg 100 of stiffening rail 92 and legs 216
engage corresponding v-shaped cuts 218 until stiffening rail 92 is
rigidly retained in position.
Lip 226 is formed on outer face 202 of each clamp device 138. Lips
226 project at right angles to outer faces 202 and extend
completely across outer faces 202 between end faces 208 and 210 of
clamp devices 138. Lips 226 do not necessarily extend completely
across outer faces 202 of clamp devices 138, but preferably do so
as to provide the maximum amount of clamping force against ledges
50 in side rails 12 and 14.
A substantially u-shaped upper cavity 228 is formed in upper face
204 of each clamp device 138. Cavity 228 is defined by spaced
sidewalls 230 and 232 and bottom wall 234. Sidewalls 230 and 232
extend vertically in parallel planes and are disposed at right
angles to inner face 200. Bottom wall 234 of each cavity 238
includes depression 236 therein that extends along an axis
perpendicular to inner face 200 for receiving the lower edge 132a
of bar 132 and for aiding the alignment of bars 132. Each cavity
228 includes a portion 238 having a tear-drop shaped cross section
at the intersection of sidewall 232 and bottom wall 234.
Wedge members 240 are disposed within cavities 228 of clamp devices
138 for pivotable movement between a clamped position wherein
clamping surfaces 242 of wedge members 240 engage and retain
corresponding bars 132 in a user desired position and a released
position wherein bars 132 may be removed from cavity 228. As
illustrated, each wedge member 240 has upper and lower faces 244
and 246, respectively, spaced by clamping surface 242 and sides 248
and 250. Each clamping surface 242 is generally arcuate having an
apex for engaging a corresponding bar 132. Each wedge member 240
also includes pivoting element 252 having a tear drop shaped cross
section that is pivotably receivable within portion 238 of a
corresponding cavity 228. Each pivoting element 252 of wedge
members 240 extends from and continuous with upper and lower faces
244 and 246, respectively, and sides 248 and 250. Threaded
apertures 254 extending through wedge members 240 between upper and
lower faces 244 and 246, respectively, thereof. Bolts 256 extend
through corresponding apertures 254 and wedge members 240 and into
corresponding bores 258 formed in bottom walls 234 of clamp devices
138 so as to interconnect wedge members 240 and corresponding clamp
devices 138.
It can be appreciated that as bolts 256 are turned down in a
clockwise direction, wedge members 240 pivot on pivoting elements
252 toward their clamped positions. Clamping surfaces 242 of wedge
members 240 function to engage bars 132 provided in depressions 234
to exert the necessary clamping force to retain bars 132 in
position between sidewalls 204 and clamping surfaces 242 of wedge
members 240 as wedge members 240 pivot downwardly into cavities
228. To release bars 132, bolts 256 are turned in a
counterclockwise direction until wedge members 240 pivot away from
corresponding bars 132 to release the clamping pressure applied
thereto so that bars 132 can be removed from cavities 228.
In order to attach clamp devices 138 to side rails 12 and 14,
rectangular recesses 260 are formed in inner faces 200 that define
inner walls 262. Downwardly and outwardly extending bolt-receiving
bores 264 extend through inner walls 262. Each bore 264 extends
along an axis disposed on an acuate angle with respect to outer
face 202 of a corresponding clamp device 138. The acuate angle may
be anywhere between 1.degree. and 89.degree., but is preferably
between about 30.degree. and about 80.degree., and is most
preferably about 65.degree. to match the angle 40 defined by slot
34 in a corresponding side rail 12 or 14. Bolts 266 extend through
corresponding bores 264 into nuts (not shown) captured within slots
34. As bolts 266 are tightened, lips 226 are pulled tightly against
corresponding ledges 50 of side rails 12 and 14 while at the same
time outer faces 202 are forced to bear tightly against
corresponding inner faces 36 of side rails 12 and 14 to rigidly
hold clamp devices 138 in position on side rails 12 and 14.
Referring to FIGS. 20-24, an alternate clamp device is generally
designed by the reference numeral 270. As hereinafter described,
clamp device 270 may be used to attach the opposite ends of an
alternate bar 272 to cross rails 16 or 18. Bar 272 takes the form
of generally flat panel having first and second sides 274 and 276,
first and second edges 278 and 280, respectively, and end 282. A
generally cylindrical mounting pin 284 projects from end 282 of bar
272, for reasons hereinafter described.
Clamp device 270 includes an upright plate member defining a
substantially flat, vertically extending inner face 284, a
substantially flat opposite vertically extending outer face 286, a
horizontally extending upper-face 288, an opposite horizontally
extending lower face 290, and a pair of opposite end faces 292 and
293. As described, clamp device 270 is generally rectangular in
shape although other geometric shapes are contemplated about
deviating from the scope of the present invention.
Lip 294 is formed on outer face 286 of clamp device 270. Lip 294
projects at a right angle to outer face 286 and extends completely
across outer face 286 between end faces 292 and 293 of clamp device
270. Lip 294 does not necessarily extend completely across outer
face 286 of clamp device 270, but preferably does so as to provide
the maximum amount of clamping force against ledge 68 formed in
inner surface 60 of cross rail 16.
Panel receiving slot 296 that extends along the entire height of
clamp device 270 and opens to both upper face 288 and lower face
290. Slot 296 includes a first inner portion 296a defined by
sidewalls 298a and 300a, and an outer portion 296b defined by
sidewalls 298b and 300b.Outer portion slot 296 is further defined
by a lower horizontal support surface 301 that is generally
parallel to and positioned between upper and lower faces 288 and
290, respectively, of clamp device 270. As described, sidewalls
298a and 300a are spaced of sufficient dimension to allow end 282
of bar 272 to be inserted therebetween. Similarly, sidewalls 298b
and 300b are spaced of sufficient dimension to allow pin 284 to be
inserted therebetween. The intersection of sidewalls 298a and 298b
define a shoulder 302 within slot 296 and the intersection of
sidewalls 300a and 300b define shoulder 304 within slot 296. End
282 of bar 272 engages shoulders 302 and 304 when end 282 of bar
272 is fully inserted into slot 296 in clamp device 270. With end
282 of bar 272 fully inserted within slot 296 in clamp device 270,
pin 284 is received within outer portion 296b of slot 296. It can
be appreciated that pin 284 may be rested on support surface 301 to
allow support surface 301 to vertically support bar 272.
In order to maintain bar 272 within slot 296 in clamp device 270, a
set screw 306 extends through bore 308 formed in end face 292 of
clamp device 270. Bore 302 communicates with inner portion 296a of
slot 296. It can be appreciated that as set screw 306 is turned in
a clockwise direction, the terminal end 306a of set screw 306
engages side 274 of bar 272 to exert the necessary clamping force
to retain bar 272 in position within slot 296. To release bar 272,
set screw 306 is turned in a counterclockwise direction until
terminal end 306a of set screw 306 disengages from side 274 of bar
272 to release the clamping pressure applied thereto so that bar
272 can be removed from slot 296.
In order to attach clamp device 270 to cross rail 16, a downwardly
and outwardly extending bolt receiving bore 307 extends through
clamp device 270 between inner face 284 and outer face 286. Bore
298 extends along an axis disposed at an acute angle with respect
to outer face 286. The acute angle may be anywhere between
1.degree. and 89.degree., but preferably is between about
30.degree. and 80.degree., and is most preferably about 65.degree.
to match the angle 66 defined by slots 62 in cross rail 16. Bolt
310 extends through corresponding bore 307 into a nut (not shown)
captured within slot 62. As bolt 310 is tightened, lip 294 is
pulled tightly against corresponding ledge 68 of cross rail 16
while at the same time outer face 286 is force to bear tightly
against corresponding inner face 60 of cross rail 16 to rigidly
hold clamping device 270 in position across rail 16.
Referring to FIGS. 8-12, a jogger is generally designated by the
reference numeral 320. Jogger 320 is connectable to cross-rails 16
and 18 for aligning a sheet on inner grid 46 of lower frame
assembly 10. Jogger 320 includes an upright plate member defining a
substantially flat vertically extending inner face 322, a
substantially flat opposite vertically extending outer face 324, a
horizontally extending upper face 326, an opposite horizontally
extending lower face 328, and a pair of opposite end faces 330 and
332. As described, jogger 320 is generally rectangular in shape,
although other geometric shapes are contemplated without deviating
from the scope of the present invention.
Lip 334 is formed in outer face 324 of jogger 320. Lip 334 projects
at a right angle to outer face 324 and extends completely across
outer face 324 between end faces 330 and 332 of jogger 320. Lip 334
does not necessary extend completely across outer face 324 of
jogger 320, but preferably does so as to provide the maximum amount
of clamping force against ledge 68 formed in the inner surface 60
of cross rail 16. In addition, slot 336 extends along the entire
height of jogger 320 and opens to both upper face 326 and lower
face 328. Slot 336 is defined by a vertical rear surface 338 and
first and second sidewalls 340 and 342, respectively. Sidewalls 340
and 342 extend from inner face 322 and diverge from each other.
In order to attach jogger 320 to cross rail 16, a downwardly and
outwardly extending bolt receiving bore 344 extends through jogger
320 between rear wall 338 and outer face 324. Bore 344 extends
along an axis 346 disposed at an acute angle with respect to outer
face 324. The acute angle may be anywhere between 1.degree. and
89.degree., but preferably is between about 30.degree. and
80.degree., and is most preferably about 65.degree. to match the
angle 66 defined by slot 62 in cross rail 16. Bolt 348 extends
through corresponding bore 344 into nut 350 captured within slot
62. As bolt 348 is tightened, lip 334 is pulled tightly against
corresponding ledge 68 of cross rail 16 while at the same time
outer face 324 is forced to bear tightly against corresponding
inner face 60 of cross rail 16 to rigidly hold jogger 320 in
position against cross rail 16. With bolt 348 threaded in bore 344,
a portion of head 348a of bolt projects into slot 336.
Jogger 320 further includes jogging element 352 that is slidably
received within slot 336. Jogging element 352 includes an upright
plate member defining substantially flat, vertically extending
inner face 354, a substantially flat oppositely vertically
extending outer face 356, a horizontally extending upper face 358,
an opposite horizontally extending lower face 360, and a pair of
opposite end faces 362 and 364. End faces 362 and 364 diverge from
each other as the end faces extend from inner face 354 to outer
face 356. As described, end face 362 of jogging element 352 forms a
slidable interface with sidewall 340, end face 364 of jogging
element 352 forms a slidable interface with sidewall 342, and outer
face 356 of jogging element 352 forms a slidable interface with
rear wall 338.
Jogging element 352 further includes wall 370 defining a generally
oblong opening 366 to accommodate the portion of head 348a of bolt
348 that projects into slot 336. With jogging element 352
positioned within slot 336, jogging element 352 is slidable between
a first raised position wherein lower face 360 of jogging element
352 is substantially flush with the lower face 328 and wherein head
348a of bolt 348 engages lower portion 370a of wall 370 and a
lowered position wherein lower face 360 of jogging element 352 is
below lower face 328 of the upright plate member and bolt head 348
engages upper portion 370b of wall 370. Jogging element 352
provides an adjustable stop for a sheet being positioned
horizontally over lower frame assembly 10.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as the invention.
* * * * *